Former Associate Minister of Justice Sooalo Umi Feo Mene has this afternoon applied to have his election petition withdrawn against FAST MP Vaele Paiaaua Iona Sekuini who secured the win for the Gagaifomauga 2 constituency.
Sooalo put forth his intention to withdraw his petition through counsels Lucy Ofoia and Afa Lesa from Aumua Law firm.
Vaele’s lawyer Leiataualesa Komisi Koria has also filed an application to withdraw his counter petition against Sooalo.
Justice Niava Mata Tuatagaloa presiding with Justice Leiataualesa Rapi Vaai adjourned the matter to be called again on Tuesday 15th June where counsels will provide reasons for withdrawing.
Sooalo polled 152 votes behind Vaele at the 9th April general election for the Gagaifomauga 2 constituency, where Sooalo had been the MP for two terms from 2011-2021.
This is one of three election petitions being heard before Samoa’s Supreme Court today.
As set down by the Electoral Act, the Court has held off its schedule to prioritise the 28 election petitions filed following general elections.
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